MRSA Health Advisory

MRSA (Methicillin resistant Staphylococus Aureus) is a skin
infection that used to be seen primarily in hospitals, and in those
individuals with weakened immune systems. The spread of MRSA is not
airborne. It is transmitted through direct contact with the
bacteria. This can be through skin-to-skin contact, sharing of
towels, personal items, or equipment. A break in the skin, such as
a scrape or cut, would increase the possibility of getting the
infection.

Recently MRSA has become more common in community and competitive
sports settings. Overall, this is a nationwide trend and it has
been seen locally, including in small numbers here on the Valdosta
State University campus. During the past year there have been about
15 suspected cases at VSU and half of those have been
confirmed.

Currently there are 2,000+ residents living on campus and based on
the current number of students with the infection, and pending
confirmation/negation, the likelihood of a student contracting the
infection is less than .01%. Debbie Reagan, nurse practitioner in
the VSU Farber Health Services Center, stated that all the current
students who do have the infection have been treated and have been
educated on how to take care of themselves in a way that will not
spread the infection to others.

It is important to provide an atmosphere of support and
understanding for anyone who has contracted MRSA. It is important
to keep the communication channels open. VSU is working to ensure
that appropriate information and resources are provided to keep our
community safe. Special steps have been taken to increase the
disinfecting and cleaning of common areas in gymnasiums, locker
rooms, recreation areas and residence halls.

The purpose of this message is to help reduce any misinformation,
rumors or concerns, especially for those individuals living on
campus. If there are questions on the part of students living in a
residence hall, please feel free to ask the Resident Assistant or
Resident Housing Director. Additional questions can be asked of the
VSU Farber Health Services Center, which has established much more
information about MRSA at the following link: http://services.valdosta.edu/health/

Additional questions may be asked by contacting the Office of
Campus Safety (229-293-6171) or the Vice President for Student
Affairs (229-333-5359).